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75 comments
  • I got a sales job offer on the spot by first highlighting the limited use of a single pen and without extra's on hand its negative business impacts. Then stated I had tons of pens available in my car and positioned selling them at least 100, but recommended they acquire 1000+ as this prevents potential issues plus gets them a better deal. Pretty solid approach in my experience.

    • Selling is an art... and this is why I'm not in sales. I have absolutely no interest in trying to convince somebody to buy something.

      • True sales is just filling a need, sometimes the customer knows they need it but others are unaware of it. Good sales reps will not sell something unless it makes sense for everyone involved.

  • "No, it's mine, go and buy one by yourself"

    And now you've got a pen that you didn't have at the start of the interview, and you've given capitalism a lesson of capitalism.

  • I got my first job at 15 answering this question. I sold cordless (not cellular, cordless) phones at Sears

    The "easy" answer to this question is to pick up the pen, then ask the interviewer if they can write something down. They'll look for a pen, which you're holding. You smile, and say, "if you'd like, I have something to assist with that request..." and trail off a bit. Some people will laugh at this joke and it's enough for them to pass the test. Personally, I'm not a fan of this method.

    My 15 year old self hadn't heard this question before, so I just picked the pen up and started listing the wonderful qualities of this pen, and how quickly your life would be enhanced if you had it. "It has the deepest of royal blue hues, with a rich writing sensation and smooth flow on the paper. The grip allows for ultimate comfort, so the pen is usable all day long without any soreness in the fingers or hand. It's so well shaped and ergonomical, you can barely feel it in your hand. And with the above-industry-standard sized ink chamber, you'll be able to use this pen far longer than the competition. This pen has both the value and form that the modern consumer has come to expect in their premium pen buying experience."

    And so forth. Basically, do sales stuff

    • I was also asked this question at 15 while being interviewed by the local Sears. I went on to sell shoes though. Cordless phones would have been cool.

  • I give you 2 dollar if you take this pen.

    (Because everyone has too many pens already and wouldn't even want one for $0.01 and I want to get rid of this pen or else have to pay for its recycling)

    It's about selling the pen and not making a profit, right?

  • Ask them if they've ever watched Casino and smile

75 comments